AUTISTIC SPECTRUM DISORDERS: NEUROLOGICAL MANIFESTATIONS AND CLINICAL TREATMENT

Abstract

Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD) represent a complex neurological condition that manifests itself in diverse ways, encompassing a wide spectrum of symptoms and challenges for affected individuals. The neurological manifestations of ASD include difficulties in social communication, repetitive behavior patterns and restricted interests. Understanding the nuances of this spectrum is crucial to developing effective intervention strategies. The clinical treatment of these disorders requires a multidisciplinary approach, involving health, education and social services professionals. In this context, a systematic review of the literature is essential to consolidate and analyze the available scientific evidence, providing a comprehensive view of the current state of knowledge about the neurological manifestations of ASD and the clinical approaches adopted. Objective: This study aims to carry out a systematic review of the literature on Autism Spectrum Disorders, focusing on the neurological manifestations presented by affected individuals and the clinical treatment strategies adopted. We intend to critically analyze studies published in the last 10 years, from renowned databases, such as PubMed, Scielo and Web of Science. The review aims to synthesize the available evidence to provide valuable insights for healthcare professionals, researchers and policymakers. Methodology: The methodology adopted for this systematic review follows the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses) guidelines. The search was conducted in the PubMed, Scielo and Web of Science databases, using the descriptors "Autistic Spectrum Disorders", "neurological manifestations", "clinical treatment", "therapeutic interventions" and "multidisciplinary approaches". The inclusion criteria comprise original studies, systematic reviews and meta-analyses published in the last 10 years, while the exclusion criteria include works unrelated to the topic, studies with non-representative samples and publications without peer review. Results: The results of this review highlight the diversity of neurological manifestations in ASD, from sensory differences to peculiarities in neural networks associated with social processing. As for clinical treatment, there was a growing trend towards personalized approaches, considering the specific needs of each individual. Behavioral interventions, occupational therapies, and pharmacotherapy have emerged as important components in the management of ASD. However, the heterogeneity of therapeutic responses indicates the continued need for research and development of innovative approaches. Conclusion: In summary, this systematic review provided a more in-depth understanding of the neurological manifestations and clinical treatment of Autism Spectrum Disorders. The heterogeneity of the spectrum, combined with the complexity of interventions, highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary and personalized approach. The knowledge consolidated in this review contributes to inform clinical practices, guide future research and promote a better quality of life for individuals affected by ASD.